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News | Sept. 8, 2025

Silver Jubilee

By Master Sgt. Charles Johnston

New Hampshire and El Salvador celebrated the 25th anniversary of its State Partnership Program on Sept. 6 at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington.

“It’s been 25 years of an exceptional partnership,” said Mikolaities, who is the fourth adjutant general to guide the program since 2000 when Maj. Gen. John Blair signed a formal declaration with Fuerza Armada de El Salvador under what was then a fledgling strategic initiative by the The National Guard.

Today, SPP accounts for 115 partner-nations.

Day one of the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show provided a superspectacle backdrop for a modest flight-line ceremony with Governor Kelly Ayotte, NH Adjutant Gen. David Mikolaities, and Col. Pablo Soriano, chief of staff of FUERZA AEREA EL SALVADOR.

Commemorative gifts and plaques were exchanged after a vintage biplane with a daredevil standing atop its wing roared past. An estimated 43,000 visitors were treated to various aerial performances and static displays during the free show.

“There’s been increasing engagements over the years, whether it’s Best Warrior or marksmanship events,” Soriano said. “Our countries have become close friends as a result of the partnership.”